HA Modifier Description: Child/Adolescent Program
HA flags a service delivered in a child and adolescent program. Like the other program modifiers, it is only as specific as each state's code set makes it.
Short answer
HA is the HCPCS Level II modifier "Child/adolescent program." It identifies a service delivered within a program designed for children and adolescents, used by Medicaid programs that price or track youth services separately. Some states have moved to state-specific modifiers: Michigan now reports its children's friendship groups with WO and Parent Management Training, Oregon model, with Y3, both previously HA.
| Modifier | HCPCS descriptor | Type |
|---|---|---|
| HA | Child/adolescent program | Program |
Related program modifiers
| Modifier | HCPCS descriptor |
|---|---|
| HA | Child/adolescent program |
| HB | Adult program, non geriatric |
| HC | Adult program, geriatric |
| HD | Pregnant/parenting women's program |
How states have changed it
Michigan's SFY 2027 code sets show the shift: its children's friendship group modifier WO previously used HA or HB, and Y3 for Parent Management Training, Oregon model, previously used HA. Where a state has a specific modifier for an evidence-based youth program, it usually expects that instead of HA.
How Colorado uses HA
Colorado's August 2026 billing manual uses HA as a first-position modifier for two specific youth services:
| Colorado code | What HA identifies | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| H0036 HA (15 min), H0037 HA (per diem) | Functional Family Therapy (FFT) | Only for youth ages 11 to 18, by certified FFT programs meeting model fidelity |
| H2000 HA | Enhanced Standardized Assessment (ESA) | Children, adolescents, and young adults; includes the CO CANS tool; by a licensed or licensure-candidate clinician |
Colorado Medicaid directed payment rates in the manual: H0036 HA $36.62 per 15 minutes, H0037 HA $878.80 per diem.
How Texas uses HA
Texas Medicaid's mental health rehabilitative services use HA for child and youth services: HA on crisis intervention (H2011) and on individual skills training and development (H2014), and HA with HQ for child and youth group services on medication training and support (H0034) and skills training (H2014).
Why HA claims deny
- Age outside the program. HA billed for a member outside the age range the program covers.
- Retired use. HA sent where the state now expects a program-specific modifier.
- Program not recognized. The payer only accepts HA from programs it has approved as child and adolescent programs.
Related: H2014 and H2017, H2011, all behavioral health HCPCS modifiers, and the code map in H codes in behavioral health.
Sources, read October 2026: Colorado State Behavioral Health Services Billing Manual (August 2026); MDHHS SFY 2027 Behavioral Health Code Charts and Provider Qualifications; Texas Medicaid Behavioral Health and Case Management Services Handbook (January 2026). Federal HCPCS descriptors are CMS public data. State manuals and plan contracts change; confirm the current edition before billing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HA modifier description?
HA is the HCPCS Level II modifier "Child/adolescent program."
When is the HA modifier used?
For services delivered in a program designed for children and adolescents, where the payer's code set calls for it.
What does HA mean on H0036 in Colorado?
Functional Family Therapy. Colorado bills FFT as H0036 or H0037 with HA as the first-position modifier, only for youth ages 11 to 18 in certified FFT programs.
Has Michigan stopped using HA?
For some services. Michigan reports children's friendship groups with WO and Parent Management Training, Oregon model, with Y3, both previously HA.
Youth program claims, coded right.
See Stable apply program modifiers to child and adolescent services by state and plan.
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